Last week, a South Carolina firefighter was struck and killed by a semi truck while assisting people at the scene of a crash. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened on Friday afternoon in Lexington County. Very little information has been released about this tragic incident, but we do know that Paul Quattlebaum, a Lexington County Fire Service Fire Engineer, was struck while responding to a motor vehicle crash near the 5200 block of Fairview Road. Initial reports indicate that although Quattlebaum was rushed to the hospital for treatment, he did not survive his injuries.
First Responder Safety on The Roadways
No information has been released on how or why the semi truck trailer was able to hit Quattlebaum. At this time, there has been no word on whether or not any citations or charges have been filed in this crash. Unfortunately, this incident highlights the critically important topic of how motorists have a duty keep first responders and roadside workers safe while they do their jobs. Responding to roadside crashes and other incidents is one of the most dangerous parts of any first responder’s job, but they still deserve to have a safe working environment.
Move Over Laws in North Carolina and South Carolina
In both North Carolina and South Carolina, there are “Move Over” laws. This means drivers are required to move over and approach cautiously when they see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. If a driver is unable to move over, they must slow down and wait to pass until they are at a safer speed. This law ensures roadside workers and first responders have adequate room to do their jobs safely.
Keeping Roadways Safe For Motorists and First Responders in North Carolina
The most important thing motorists can do to help keep roadways safe for everybody is to make a commitment to distraction-free driving. If you’re texting or looking at your phone, you’re not paying attention to the roadway. If you have been injured in a car accident due to the dangerous or negligent actions of a driver in Asheville or in any of the nearby Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.